Over 200 people came to be seated and enjoy a meal prepared and served by over 35 dedicated
volunteers during the annual Santa Barbara Rescue Mission Christmas dinner offered at SBRM, 535 E.
Yanonali Street.

Once again the organization put aside the buffet style service of the past, and gave people coming for
Christmas dinner a real restaurant style experience. Each guest was given all of their individual favorites
with a smile from caring volunteer waiters. The kitchen manager and his staff of dedicated helpers
prepared the tasty turkey dinners with all the trimmings. Waiters included community members, Mission
board members and whole families who wanted to be of service.

Three children from the Wagner family arrived early to train as servers for this year's dinner. Olivia
Geyling, daughter of Rescue Mission President Rolf Geyling, and a group of her classmates, along well as
mission residents, created the holiday placemats for the tables, and festive room decorations.
Additional volunteers manned Tables in the SBRM parking lot to present donated gifts of jackets,
clothing, children's toys and personal hygiene items to the homeless who attended the dinner.

The Rescue Mission provides shelter 365 days a year to the homeless, as well as offering addiction
treatment programs that are nationally recognized. The Thanksgiving dinner began in 1965, and
according to President Rolf Geyling "The Mission has been under more demand than ever due to the
current economic pressures affecting people. The number of meals has increased 20 percent, and more
families are now taking advantage of the Mission offerings than ever." If you wish to make a donation,
provide food or volunteer please call (805) 966-1316 or visit www.sbrm.org.